SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (ANS) -- "A Cry from Iran," a powerful documentary on modern-day martyrdom, garnered the Best Documentary Award at the Jubilee Awards during closing ceremonies at the fourth annual San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, held at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in downtown San Antonio last weekend.

In 1993, a judge in Iran issued an official death sentence to Mehdi Dibaj, a man already imprisoned for ten years.

A copy of the official execution order was leaked to Haik Hovespian, the leader of the Evangelical Christians in Iran.

A Cry From Iran DVD Cover Artwork.

At peril to his own life, Haik released the document and launched an international campaign to bring an end to the civil rights violations of the Iranian Islamic courts.

International pressure mounted and the Iranian government was forced to release Dibaj at the eleventh hour.

But there was a price to pay for Haik.

Now, A Cry From Iran, an award-winning, expertly documented true story that includes hidden camera footage filmed in Iran during the actual events, tells the story of how Haik Hovsepian gave his life for freedom of religious belief in Iran.

The film tells the true story of Haik Hovsepian, the leader of Evangelical Christians of Iran who was brutally murdered for speaking out against the persecution of another Christian under Iran's Islamist regime.

The film was produced by Joseph and Andre Hovsepian -- the sons of the martyred hero -- in honor of their father. The crowd rose to their feet in solemn applause as Joseph and Andre took the stage to receive the award.

"We are grateful that this film could touch the audience in such a deep way and communicate the message of love, courage, and sacrifice," stated Joseph Hovsepian, whose father was killed fourteen years ago.

"In reality, the main award goes to the hero and role model of my life -- my father -- who portrayed the best example of a Christian father and a church leader for us in Iran....We are honored and humbled that we've had a small part in sharing [his] story with the world."

“This is the story of not only my father, but also of the victims who have been killed and continue to be tortured for their choice of religion. It is an example of the many stories that are happening as we speak,” said film director and producer Joseph Hovsepian.

A Cry from Iran is the true story of Christian martyrs killed callously for the right to practice their chosen faith. It has been nominated for several film festivals, including the 6th Annual Route 66 Film Festival, and is the winner of the Best Documentary Feature at the Faith and Film Motion Picture Festival and the Audience Award at the Leith Film Festival.

Rewind 14 years to 1994: the documentary highlights the story of Haik Hovsepian, the leader of Evangelical Christians in Iran. After an Islamic judge in northern Iran condemns a zealous Christian convert, Mehdi Dibaj, from Islam to death, Haik chooses to speak out and launch an international campaign for Dibaj’s sentence to be overturned. Haik’s campaign is successful, and Dibaj is released a few days before his execution date.

However, in January 1994, Bishop Haik Hovsepian disappears. Twelve days later his corpse is identified by his son. The body has been stabbed 26 times. Haik would not be the last to be martyred. Since then, numerous Christians have been brutally tortured and put to death.

Fast forward to present: after production in five countries, interviews with 40 political and religion experts, family and friends, 42 months of production and 200 hours of archive footage, the sons of Haik Hovsepian deliver the story of one victim who serves as an example for the many who have suffered the same senseless tragedy.

Speaking to the timely issue of religious radicalism on the global stage and the current climate of repression in the Middle East, Dr. Ravi Zacharias, author of Light in the Shadow of Jihad, examines the intersection between faith and extremism, “When for example the Quran is quoted that there is no compulsion in belief, it ought to be understood in a very real way then. Is a person in Iran free to disbelieve? Is a person in Malaysia free to disbelieve? Is a person in Indonesia free to disbelieve? If you are not free to disbelieve in a certain faith, then there is compulsion in that faith.”

"This film is the first opportunity of its kind for believers and non-believers, for activists and non-activities, for politicians and non-politicians and for the general public to get a personal look at the human and historic story of leaders punished for their beliefs. It is an issue of human rights,” said Dr. Anis Shorrosh, author of Islam Revealed.

JFA(Joseph Film & Animation) Productions (www.josephfilms.com) was founded in 2000 by Joseph Hovsepian. It was soon expanded into a full production house when Joseph’s two brothers joined the company.

Today, JFA offers full audio and video services, while regularly producing TV programs, music videos, and documentaries, most of which have spiritual themes and a powerful message to communicate. Website:www.acryfromiran.com  

** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Lake Forest, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. His weblog appears at: Michael's Wor(l)d BLOG